UCD Postdoc Lvl 1, Biosystems and Food Engineering, 30 months

Organisation/Company University College Dublin Research Field Environmental science Other Environmental science Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 8 Oct 2026 - 09:14 (UTC) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering.

This is a postdoctoral research position that involves the execution of a defined research programme under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. The successful candidate will focus on cultivation of autotrophic omega-3 rich microalgae on brewery side streams and biorefinery processing of the resulting microalgae biomass.

This is a research focused role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.

The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching.

Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 05 October 2026.

The PD1 position is intended for early-stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

Communication and interpersonal skills, Biosystems and Food Engineering, Microalgae Biotechnology, growth optimisation of omega 3 lipid rich microalgae on brewery side streams, flow cytometry, 16s rRNA, metabolic fingerprinting, HPLC, GC

Eligibility criteria

Mandatory:

• A PhD in Biosystems and Food Engineering/ Microalgae Biotechnology or other cognate areas
• Previous experience in growth optimisation of omega-3 lipid rich microalgae on brewery side streams
• Previous experience in assessing microalgae/bacteria interaction in wastewater using high-spec techniques (e.g. flow cytometry, 16s rRNA, metabolic fingerprinting)
• Previous experience in analysing the biochemical composition of microalgal biomass (e.g. lipids and pigments) grown on brewery side streams
• Previous experience in scaling up microalgal cultivation on brewery side streams
• Previous experience in assessing therapeutic properties of microalgal lipid extracts
• A demonstrated commitment to research and publications
• An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project
• Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals, and ability to outline a research project).
• Excellent Communication Skills (Oral, Written , Presentation etc).
• Excellent Organisational and Administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines.
• Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

• Previous experience in Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and elemental analysis of wastewater and biomass.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Proven record of mentoring undergraduate or Master students to support and guide their professional development.
• Proficiency in HPLC and GC for wastewater and biomass analysis.